Chicago Wards

What People Are Saying About the Lucas Museum Coming to Chicago

Mayor's Press Office 312.744.3334

Leaders from the City's cultural institutions, labor, the arts and government today released statements praising George Lucas' announcement that the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will call Chicago home.

Representative Danny DavisCongressman, IL-7"Chicago has a deep tradition of arts, culture and philanthropy, and I am excited that George Lucas will be part of that great tradition with this significant investment in the city. By teaming with our public schools and arts organizations, Mr. Lucas is giving back in a way that proves he is a Chicagoan at heart. I am thrilled to join all Chicagoans in welcoming George and adding this incredible cultural institution to our museum campus."

Jorge RamirezPresident, Chicago Federation of Labor"This is a major win for Chicago and our workers. Beyond the incredible gift this offers residents and children throughout the City, the Lucas museum will create jobs, during construction, permanent jobs at the museum itself, and many more throughout the city through this major new tourism draw."

Alderman Will Burns4th Ward"The Lucas Museum will be a great addition to Chicago's popular museum campus. It will complement the City's offering of educational resources and provide meaningful opportunities for community partnerships, serving as a valued asset, not only to its neighbors but to the City at large."

Gary JohnsonPresident, Chicago History Museum, and President, Museums in the Park Association"The leaders of Chicago's museum community are thrilled to welcome the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts. Chicago today has tremendous cultural and architectural assets, vibrant neighborhoods and parks, and a lakefront setting that is second to none. What Chicago needs are new reasons for the world to come and discover us. Adding more unique world-class attractions like the Lucas Museum can do just that by putting our city in a new category for tourism. The Lucas Museum will activate more interest in the city's other assets and add jobs to our economy. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our museum community."

Gillian Darlow and Kurt SummersCo-chairs, Lucas Site Selection Task Force"Chicago is a city of storytellers, a city that treasures arts and culture, and a city defined by bold visions. Since the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the city has been home to many of the most important cultural institutions in the country. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will add a world-class attraction to Chicago's lakefront, elevate Chicago's profile as a global city, and provide new educational opportunities for our youth. The ambitious project will turn acres of asphalt into a stunning structure surrounded by newly created green space—improving the lakefront while reaffirming the principles that have made it a treasure for generations. We are thrilled that the museum has chosen Chicago as its home and we look forward to seeing it develop as a model for how museums can engage and inspire in the 21st century."

Mayor Rahm EmanuelCity of Chicago"George Lucas has revolutionized the art of storytelling over the last four decades and we are honored to be the recipient of this incredible legacy investment that will allow everyone to learn about and experience narrative arts. Like Marshall Field, John G. Shedd and Max Adler before him, George's philanthropy will inspire and educate for generations. No other museum like this exists in the world, making it a tremendous educational, cultural and job creation asset for all Chicagoans, as well as an unparalleled draw for international tourists.

Lee BeySpecial Projects Manager, University of Chicago"To me, it's an urban planning hat trick. Chicago gains a major world-class museum of this size without having to displace people, or demolish buildings or lose open space—in fact, we'll gain open space. This is a win for the city and its citizens."

Don WelshCEO, Choose Chicago"In my thirty plus years working in the visitor industry, nearly four of which have been in Chicago, I can honestly say that a cultural institution of this magnitude is a once in a lifetime investment. I believe the Lucas Museum will be among the most significant game changers a city could ever hope for in seeking to create jobs and grow visitation."